Sidley keep eye on Saints troubles

Whilst expressing his sadness over Saints' demise (the former Dr Martens League club has resigned from the Sussex League but their winding-up petition issued by HM Customs & Excise has been adjourned until February 23), Heritage says a couple of players, who have become free agents negating the need for a seven-day approach as a consequence of the resignation, would be of interest to Sidley although no contact has yet been made.

A former Firs favourite himself, he said: "It's a shame because I know there's lots of people there that put a lot of effort into it and you don't want to see anyone go. They did have some good times and we really enjoyed it there. It was a good, well-run club.

"At the moment you don't want to feel like a vulture and go after players. Myself and Andy (fellow joint manager Andy Laskey) will have to have a chat but there will be a couple that we would be interested in. They would be more than welcome to come over - we would never turn anyone away. They've only got to give myself or Andy a call.

"My advice to any supporters is 'come over and watch Sidley'. We play good football, we've got a good bar and they'd be made to feel welcome."

St Leonards' resignation means that there will be a shortfall of teams in Division One which should benefit United.

Sussex County League secretary Paul Beard said: "It probably means only two will go down, depending of course whether the three promoted teams meet the criteria for ground requirements."

The only downside for United is that the three points they gained from defeating Saints 2-1 on December 6 have been chalked off as Saints' playing record has been expunged. This means the Blues have dropped to fifth-from-bottom but they do enjoy an 11-point cushion from second-bottom Selsey and Heritage believes a win at third-bottom Pagham on Saturday February 7, a fixture postponed last Saturday and subsequently rearranged, should guarantee their survival. He continued: "Pagham is the big one. If we get a result there we should be safe."

Lee Wood is struggling with a calf knock picked up in training and Jason Finch is also doubtful. Craig Ottley, whom Heritage says "looks superb in training", is expected to make his debut.

Sidley United's amended Sussex Division One February fixtures (subject to alteration, all matches to kick-off at 3pm): Saturday 7 Pagham (a), Saturday 14 Sidlesham (a), Saturday 21 East Grinstead Town (a), Saturday 28 Arundel (h).

Reserve Section Premier: Saturday 7 Horsham YMCA (h), Saturday 14 Burgess Hill Town (h), Saturday 21 Eastbourne Borough (h), Saturday 28 Pagham (a).